Free Poisoned Politics by Maggie Sefton

she’d been a spook in her earlier years. Whether she was still reporting to someone, only Aggie knew. She’d been working these Washington parties for over thirty years, always hovering near the movers and shakers.
    I met Aggie’s direct gaze and decided on total honesty. “I figure it’s simply a matter of time before the gossip turns nasty. Wilson was found at the home of my oldest and dearest friend. She was the one who walked in and found him dead Sunday morning. I’m the only one she called after the police left.”
    Aggie’s gray eyes widened quickly, and I could see the puzzle pieces being sorted as she digested the information. “Are we talking about the late Senator Calhoun’s widow?”
    â€œWe are, indeed. She and Congressman Wilson were … close friends,” I hedged. “So I’m concerned that the gossip will turn vicious once word spreads. I’d appreciate it if you’d tell me if you overhear any particularly ugly rumors. That way, I can give her a warning.”
    Aggie’s little smile returned. “I’d be glad to, Molly. I remember you and your friend attending some of your father’s parties years ago. You two made quite a pair. I also used to work Senator Calhoun’s parties whenever I could.”
    Why was I not surprised? Samantha’s husband had been one of the most powerful men in the Senate while he was alive. Naturally, Aggie would have been at his parties, listening and learning. Wherever there was liquor, lips as well as inhibitions were loosened. Information spilled out as easily as wine from a glass.
    â€œThanks, Aggie. I’m sure you’ve paid attention over the last few years to my friend’s rather … ah, rebellious lifestyle. I’m afraid she’s made a few enemies, and that’s always dangerous in this town. So, I’m trying to look out for her however I can.”
    â€œI understand. And I’ll keep an ear out. For the record, I did hear part of a conversation that mentioned her name along with Congressman Wilson.”
    I grimaced. “I knew it would start. Was that the only one?”
    Aggie shook her head as she edged away. “No, there were two other couples talking about it, I’m sorry to say. Take care, Molly, and give my regards to your friend.” Aggie scurried off to the bar.
    Damn . It had started already. Needless to say, tonight’s reception provided the perfect opportunity to exchange gossip. I glanced about the living room again. Political types, elected or otherwise, clustered together talking, laughing, drinking, finger waving, arguing, eating. Senator Russell was near the fireplace, with the senior senator from Utah. Senator Russell threw back his head and let out his trademark basso roar of laughter. It was all I could do to hear him over the gossip’s rising buzz. Louder than the cicadas in the trees outside.
    _____
    â€œDid you talk to that staffer, Levitz, yet?”
    Larry Fillmore sped past the Capitol Reflecting Pool, cell phone pressed to his ear. Six forty-five, and the sun was still blazing down. Damn Washington summers . Larry could tell Spencer wanted to talk, but he wasn’t about to stand near the Capitol with all the tourists and sweat.
    â€œYeah, this afternoon. I showed up in his office at the Rayburn building, purportedly with some research questions from Congressman Jackson. Then I asked him to walk me out. Told him I had a message for him. He probably thought I was going to place an order.”
    â€œHow was this staffer pulling it off? He’s working right in the middle of Capitol Hill, for God’s sake.”
    â€œHis uncle’s an internist in Bethesda and he fills the prescription orders that Levitz phones in. Levitz then picks them up from a dummy office every evening and makes deliveries. Everyone pays cash.”
    â€œPretty sweet little system they had going. Helping out the hyper politicians and